Friday, February 21, 2014

I often see on the TV Home shows that decorators have an inspiration piece which is their jumping off piece to design an entire room. Looking back, I can see using one item to inspire the mind.

In this case, color was my inspiration. I love the dusty blue colors that accent my Chinese cobalt blue and white porcelain pieces in the great room.

The hunt begins for vintage dusty blue books at our annual Library sale. Hardcover books are $1.00. When my daughter found this book, the color grabbed me. Not looking at the title, but the color.

It wasn't until I arrived home did I take notice of the title. The Silver Chalice was written by Thomas B. Costain and published in 1952. My goodness, it was older than me! The Silver Chalice then led me to the China buffet. Inspiration was there too. I pulled out one of my silver plated engraved chalices that had been used for my Christmas coffee table display shown here.

This was the Silver Chalice. Upon this inspiration did the foyer display evolve.

A crucifix, pearls and a vintage rosary drape the neck of my lady.

Found salt spoons are held in the silver plate dish.

A vintage compact and a rubbed and worn key lie in a compote dish.

Surrounded by a dome gives the articles more attention.

A simple foyer is created from odds and ends around the house.

So next time you are trying to come up with an idea, open a cabinet and pull a treasure out. See what you come up with.

The Silver Chalice

A very unexpected Christmas gift came from my dear friend Tara.

She made silhouette pillows from pictures of my girls. The pillows placed on the chairs just felt right next to my lady's bust. Aren't they beautiful?

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Mardi Gras prepares us for Lent. This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 4th. To celebrate before the fasting season begins, I put together a sweet vignette.

Shopping at Hobby Lobby a few weeks back, I came upon this darling charcoal gray bust-and she was 50% off.

She reminds me of my girls when they were younger.

She is so sweet, particularly with her silver headband of flowers.

Positioning the bust on my Paris Grey painted trophy urn gave her more height.

To decorate the bust, I began by hanging Mardi Gras beads on her neckline.

I purchased this feathered mask for one of my daughters when I visited New Orleans on a Sister's weekend two years ago. While it might be a bit large on this delicate bust, I thought it was perfect for the occasion.

I love the peacock colored feathers!

I think I paid only $6.00 for this mask at the market in the French Quarter.﻿

Because I can't let well enough alone, I stopped by the Arsenal thrift shop on base the other day.
Look at the jewel I found for $1.50. I am not even going to bother to polish it.

What first struck me was that the lion's head handles complimented my champagne bucket shown here.

Luckily, I have been saving up Mardi Gras beads. Just tossing them into the bowl adds more bling.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

I did enjoy my Christmas decorations this year, but with Valentine's Day this month, I wanted to move furniture around. Now most of us don't have interchangeable sofas, but this was my first swap. I mentioned to Mr. Thrifty days earlier that I was thinking of swapping one couch for the other. He always has the logical thoughts on these plans of mine. He did mention that I needed felt gliders for the feet of the office couch. That was easy.

Have you ever noticed that once you start rearranging furniture, lots of cleaning transpires?

﻿

My challenge in this furniture escapade was to give the room a more romantic and time worn feel.

A picture frame valentine tray with a spot of tea ready to sip lays in wait on the coffee table .

An added glass Valentine given by a dear friend brings more love into the room.

A pine dresser sits as a library table behind the couch.

Sitting on the desk is an old quaint romantic print found at an estate sale.

and the print title

Later that night, while watching Downton Abbey with my daughter, she says to me, "Mom, I really like this couch!" To look at her lounging on the armrest, I almost could imagine her residing in Downton Abbey.

As much as I enjoy our Ektorp Ikea sofa, I was reticent about changing the sofa out. The very luxurious feel of the fabric on the recycled vintage sofa gave so much more warmth to the room.
A welcomed change for the room is complete.

About Me

My name is Lora. I come from a large(10 children)family that growing up gave me lots of love and stability.
I am a stay at home, retired special education teacher that hails from Illinois. After marrying late in life(40), my husband and I moved 5 times. The adventures to new cities gave me an opportunity to meet new people, discover new places and find new junking haunts.
I love to recycle anything that can be used in our home. Instead of creating bulletin boards for a classroom, I now create vignettes in my home for every season. I love to upcycle found objects for friends, family, and school fundraising auctions.
I love to keep a very cozy home for my husband, and two beautiful girls.
I am amazed and truly blessed by God to create every day. When I sit down to work on a project, many times I don't have a planned outcome. Through Him, projects come to life again. Life is good.
I hope that through reading this blog, I can pass on ideas that will help inspire someone else to make their life a bit more beautiful.